Former Beckett/Mohawk Company building a total loss after major fire in Hamilton

As a concerned citizen deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of our city's fire department, I want to express my heartfelt thanks following the recent major fire at the vacant building on the old Beckett Paper property at N. 5th and Dayton streets in Hamilton.

On Wednesday afternoon, our community faced a challenging situation when flames erupted from the building, which had long been out of use. By 7:30 p.m., Hamilton City Manager Craig Bucheit updated us that the fire had been brought under control. Although the building was deemed a total loss and was deemed unstable, there were no reports of injuries, and thankfully, no hazardous materials were involved.

Our dedicated fire crews responded with incredible speed and efficiency. The fire was reported around 4:30 p.m., and within just 10 minutes, the building was engulfed in flames. Thanks to the swift action of Hamilton's emergency teams and the mutual aid from neighboring departments in Fairfield, Fairfield Twp., Liberty Twp., and Ross Twp., the situation was managed with remarkable professionalism.

I want to extend a special thank you to Hamilton's Public Safety Director Scott Scrimizzi and his team, who worked tirelessly to control the blaze. Despite the intense heat and the building's eventual collapse, fire crews prioritized safety, moving back as the structure deteriorated and ensuring no one was at risk. The fact that Hamilton owns its own water company allowed them to boost water pressure to the fire hydrants, a critical factor in managing the blaze.

The city also took immediate steps to mitigate further risks, including shutting down nearby train tracks and preparing for emergency demolition. I am particularly grateful for the city's efforts to keep us informed and safe, including their timely social media updates about road closures and potential power outages.

As we await further details on the fire's cause, which remains under investigation, I want to acknowledge the resilience and dedication of everyone involved. The building's history is an office for Beckett Paper and later Mohawk Paper Companies.

In these moments of crisis, it is reassuring to see our community's emergency services come together with such effectiveness and care. My deepest thanks go to all the firefighters, public safety officials, and support staff who worked together to bring this situation under control. Your commitment to keeping us safe is truly appreciated.